I often get stuck finding my first sentence. I can have a clear vision of the story, the characters, the setting but until I have the right first sentence I can't start. It seems logical but I expect there are writers who can start in the middle. I envy them. If I get the first sentence … Continue reading The tyranny of the first sentence
Category: Writing Fix
How writing and gardening are the same
Gardening and writing are the same. They are both hard work. You either have to put your bum in the chair or get out in the hot sun. An effort is required. You are always learning. The basics are easy. You can throw something in the dirt or write a sentence, but if you want … Continue reading How writing and gardening are the same
Grandma’s House
Another Introverted Writer
I know, I have changed the name of my blog. It’s Random, Fickle and Annoying. I’m sorry. I’ve written before about how I struggle with the idea of ‘branding’ because I am not a cow. I had a blog in the blogspot days, “Katwrites” I didn’t think too hard about it. I just ranted about … Continue reading Another Introverted Writer
Fossicking at Bryon Writers Festival
Why go to writers festivals? Because you love books and ideas. Now I have returned from the Bryon Writers Festival, I want to sift through the stories and make a record of the gems. There were lots of shining gems. But all I have is this mixed together mash-up. Nikki Gemmel describing the tender police … Continue reading Fossicking at Bryon Writers Festival
Writing routines and celebrating baristas
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of celebrating my writing achievements with my favourite barista. When I was writing Cassandra, I had a slightly OCD writing routine (only 2 days a week, sadly) that went like this: 7.40 am drop kids in town to meet the school bus Visit Denise at Cafe Kiks and get … Continue reading Writing routines and celebrating baristas
Marvellous Melbourne and Flirting for Tram Tickets
I have been away from my nest/desk visiting Marvellous Melbourne (as coined by a London journalist in 1885 so who am I to argue). These are my stories from the metropolis. Walking along Spring St and the 6ish year-old boy behind us asks his dad, "What's that building?" His father replies, "Parliament House, that's where the … Continue reading Marvellous Melbourne and Flirting for Tram Tickets
Selling Books for Introverts
When I was 19, I had a job selling cleaning products door-to-door. The product was called Dussall (or was it Duzzall?) because it does all. I hated it. I travelled as far west as Mt Isa and as far north as Emerald, living in motels and turning up cold turkey and saying, 'Have you heard … Continue reading Selling Books for Introverts
Numb bum and hubris
Last week Kristen Lamb wrote a post about whether some people lack the talent to be authors. It got me thinking too, do you need talent to make it as a writer? When I first decided to take this writing lark seriously (in my mid 30's) I started out with a course at my local … Continue reading Numb bum and hubris
Publisher as midwife
My first midwife gave up on me and handed me to a doctor for an emergency Cesarean section. That doctor palmed me off onto another doctor because he had a golf date. I lay on the gurney writhing in pain feeling superfluous to the whole birthing process. My second midwife was called Senga. She explained … Continue reading Publisher as midwife